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Conference committee approves important farm bill detailsMontana Key elements of the new farm bill were approved by the house/senate conference committee late last night after months of difficult negotiations and four years of policy development by wheat and barley leadership. The Montana Grain Growers Association commends the work of Senator Max Baucus, member of the conference committee, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the key negotiator in completing funding for major farm bill elements. MGGA President Will Roehm said, "We greatly appreciate Senator Baucus' efforts to include farm policy such as the direct payment and new permanent disaster protection. These programs are a perfect fit for Montana producers. Many in Congress proposed elimination of the direct payment, but our senator held firm, with only a minor temporary adjustment." In addition to more consideration for nutrition, specialty crops, beginning farmers and energy, the new bill authorizes a 1 to 2 percent cut to direct payments beginning in 2009 through 2011. The current direct payment remains in place for the 2008 and 2012 crop years. Target prices and loan rates for wheat and barley will continue at current levels for two years, increasing in 2010. Other provisions that will benefit Montana producers include the new permanent disaster plan, a conservation security program available to producers statewide and commodity program payment limitations that are similar to or better than those in the '02 bill. MGGA worked closely with our congressional delegation, who all voted in favor of farm bill legislation that passed through Congress. During the past few months we worked primarily with Senator Baucus and staff to ensure the final package is beneficial to Montana wheat and barley growers. Roehm concluded, "The art of negotiation requires some compromise and these negotiations have been difficult. Overall, we are very pleased with the outcome for our producers." The Montana Grain Growers Association is the primary trade organization representing Montana wheat and barley producers who, by combining their strengths, voices, and ideas, are working to ensure a better future for themselves, their industry and the consumer.
Date: 5/29/08
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